Snapdragon is excellent both as a border plant in flowerbeds and as a striking cut flower

Nostalgic snapdragons (Antirrhinum) have long been a staple of old-time flower gardens. They get their name from their distinctive blooms: when you gently squeeze the flower, it opens wide, resembling a feline mouth.

Snapdragon captivates with its ever-expanding range of varieties, from velvety, dramatic shades to delicate pastels. The petals can display painterly color shifts and marbled patterns.

Depending on the variety, snapdragons can range from about 15 centimeters to a meter in height. You can plant shorter snapdragons as border plants and place taller ones in the middle of beds or grow them for cut flowers.

In recent years, breeders have favored sturdy, compact varieties that now dominate the seedling market. Taller varieties are most reliably obtained from small nurseries or by growing them yourself from seed. The best sowing time is March–April. Homegrown flowers are edible and make lovely garnishes.

Madame Butterfly series Bronze. Image: Kukkatarhurit.

’Snapstar White.’ Photo: Impecta.

Snapdragons can be saved for winter enjoyment by drying them in sand [in Finnish]. Cover the stems with fine sand for a couple of weeks to get soft, surprising hues. Sand-drying also preserves the flower’s natural shape.

Growing snapdragons

Grow snapdragons in a sunny, warm spot with nutrient-rich, well-aerated soil. Remove spent blooms and stems to keep them flowering. Don’t forget to pick a few for your vase: snapdragons last a long time as cut flowers.

Madame Butterfly series Yellow. Photo: Impecta.

Twinny series.

This article was partially based on an interview with sales team leader Tytti Haahti from Koroisten Puutarha.